Activate Email 
INDUSTRIES
June 28, 2007
Report Shows HDTV Sets Likely to See Major Growth
By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor
As the deadline for all digital programming gets closer and many networks and cable operators are already offering this “clearer” picture, the demand for high-definition television sets continues to grow throughout the world, with the U.S. showing the strongest demand.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc. has released a new report titled, “HDTV: A Global Strategic Business Report.” This report focuses primarily on HDTV capable sets (displays only) and integrated HDTV sets (displays and tuners). The major groups analyzed include HDTV Capable Sets and Integration HDTV Sets.
The report provides detailed analysis on four major geographical markets, including United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the rest of the world.
High-Definition televisions are available in four different display technologies, including Projection, Directview Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Plasma. HDTV offers a sharper and clearer picture than those displayed through the television that most consumers use today.
The technology provided by HDTV has been slow to penetrate, despite the fact that it has been around since the 1980s. The major obstacle to mass adoption has been the high cost involved in owning an HD-ready television set. This technology has marked its presence in developed countries such as the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Western Europe.
At present, Europe accounts for 45 percent of the global HDTV market. North America is expected to be the fastest growing HDTV market, registering CAGR of over 50 percent. In Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the rest of the world, the HDTV market accounts for 5–6 percent of the global market.
The HDTV capable sets market is dominated by Europe and North America, accounting for over 75 percent of global sales. Europe, which commands nearly 50 percent of the global integrated HDTV sets market, is likely to lose its market share over the period.
Multiple features were introduced by major HDTV manufacturers on various projection and Flat-Panel TVs that included wide screen with HD Picture System; secure digital interfaces for seamless flow of high-resolution content; Interactive format control; and integrated DVD among others.
Various other factors were identified as being crucial to the growth and profitability of various players in the HDTV market, such as pricing and marketing efforts; timing of product introductions; and the ability of contract manufacturers to provide quality products and meet delivery schedules. Market movement will also be determined by legislative and regulatory factors as well as industry initiatives for planned or actual product features.
Leading players are profiled in this report, as well as information regarding recent developments, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic industry activities. Major players in the market include Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc., Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics, Sony Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, Zenith Electronics Corporation and others.
We are still likely to see much change in the HDTV market and as penetration increases, we will hopefully also see a decrease in price for these sets. Given that hundreds of thousands of sets will become virtually useless by the end of 2009, we are likely to see an even bigger surge in sales figures before that time.
For more details about this research report, please visit www.strategyr.com/MCP-1053.asp
-----
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC (News - Alert) and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.
Don’t forget to check out TMCnet’s Whitepaper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP
Communications industry. The library offers whitepapers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users.
Communications industry. The library offers whitepapers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users.Today’s Featured Whitepaper is titled CommuniGate Pro: VoIP Performance Test brought to you by CommuniGate.
